{"id":5902,"date":"2026-04-03T20:04:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T20:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/hiset\/?p=5902"},"modified":"2026-04-05T06:25:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T06:25:45","slug":"oklahoma-hiset-alternative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/hiset\/oklahoma-hiset-alternative","title":{"rendered":"Oklahoma HiSET Alternative: GED & Best Options"},"content":{"rendered":"

Does Oklahoma Have a HiSET Alternative? Yes, Oklahoma Offers Both GED and HiSET. You can opt for GED as an alternative. Oklahoma is one of a small number of states that offers BOTH the GED and the HiSET.\u00a0<\/span>Both exams lead to the same credential: the Oklahoma High School Diploma, issued by the Oklahoma Department of Education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (ODCTE) oversees the state’s Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) program, which administers high school equivalency testing for the state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The official Oklahoma.gov testing page states: ‘Oklahoma is currently offering the use of two high school equivalency tests (GED and HiSET). Those who pass one of the two approved tests will receive the state’s official high school equivalency diploma, a credential issued by the Oklahoma Department of Education.’<\/span><\/p>\n

There are 32 AEFL programs providing adult education classes throughout Oklahoma. These free or low-cost programs can help you prepare for either the GED or the HiSET. Oklahoma also has a brand-new Oklahoma Career Readiness Diploma program (launched in 2026) that allows adults to use old test scores and prior achievements toward a credential.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Oklahoma Compares to Neighboring States<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
State<\/b><\/td>\nAvailable Exam(s) \u2014 2026<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oklahoma<\/b><\/td>\nBOTH GED and HiSET \u2014 your choice; same credential either way<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Texas (neighboring)<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kansas (neighboring)<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Missouri (neighboring)<\/span><\/td>\nBoth GED and HiSET available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arkansas (neighboring)<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Colorado (neighboring)<\/span><\/td>\nBoth GED and HiSET available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Mexico (neighboring)<\/span><\/td>\nBoth GED and HiSET available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Massachusetts<\/span><\/td>\nHiSET is the primary exam; GED not offered for state HSE<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Notable: Many neighboring states (Texas, Kansas, Arkansas) are GED-only. Oklahoma’s decision to maintain both options gives Oklahoma test-takers more flexibility than residents of most surrounding states.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GED vs. HiSET: Which Should You Choose in Oklahoma?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Because Oklahoma offers both exams, choosing between them is the first important decision. Both lead to the same Oklahoma High School Diploma \u2014 the only difference is the exam format, cost, structure, and testing experience. You cannot combine GED and HiSET scores in Oklahoma.<\/span><\/p>\n

GED vs. HiSET in Oklahoma<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/b><\/td>\nGED (Oklahoma)<\/b><\/td>\nHiSET (Oklahoma)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Credential issued<\/b><\/td>\nOklahoma High School Diploma<\/span><\/td>\nOklahoma High School Diploma<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number of subjects\/subtests<\/b><\/td>\n4 subjects<\/span><\/td>\n5 subtests (Language Arts Reading and Writing are separate)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In-person test center cost<\/b><\/td>\n$41\/subject = $164 total<\/span><\/td>\n$33\/subtest = $165 total (before April 1, 2026 fee increase)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Online (at-home) cost<\/b><\/td>\n$41\/subject = $164 total<\/span><\/td>\n$48.50\/subtest = $242.50 total (before April 1, 2026 fee increase)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2026 fee increase?<\/b><\/td>\nNo announced increase<\/span><\/td>\nYES \u2014 HiSET fee increase effective April 1, 2026. Verify current fees at hiset.org\/oklahoma\/<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Passing score<\/b><\/td>\n145 out of 200 per subject<\/span><\/td>\n8 out of 20 per subtest; essay 2 out of 6; 45 combined total<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total test time<\/b><\/td>\n~7.5 hours<\/span><\/td>\n~7\u20138 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Math difficulty<\/b><\/td>\nHigher \u2014 algebraic reasoning, functions, application-focused<\/span><\/td>\nSlightly lower thresholds and broader coverage<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Essay required?<\/b><\/td>\nYes \u2014 Extended Response (45 min, argumentative, text-based) in RLA<\/span><\/td>\nYes \u2014 Writing essay (45 min) as a separate subtest<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Computer-only?<\/b><\/td>\nComputer-based only (paper by accommodation only)<\/span><\/td>\nPaper, computer, or at-home online options available in Oklahoma<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Online at-home option?<\/b><\/td>\nYES \u2014 GED online proctored, requires GED Ready green score<\/span><\/td>\nYES \u2014 HiSET @Home, no practice test required beforehand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Score tiers<\/b><\/td>\nPass, College Ready (165+), College Ready + Credit (175+)<\/span><\/td>\nPass only; Honors (15+ per subtest, 23+ on essay)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Can combine with other exam?<\/b><\/td>\nNO \u2014 cannot combine GED and HiSET scores in Oklahoma<\/span><\/td>\nNO \u2014 cannot combine GED and HiSET scores in Oklahoma<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Retake waiting period<\/b><\/td>\nNo wait for first 2 retakes; 60 days after 3rd attempt<\/span><\/td>\nNo wait between retakes; maximum 6 times per calendar year (pay full fee on 1st and 4th attempts only)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Credential delivery<\/b><\/td>\nElectronic diploma and transcript via Parchment (emailed)<\/span><\/td>\nElectronic diploma and transcript via Parchment (check email for instructions)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best for<\/b><\/td>\nTest-takers who want college credit tiers, single combined scoring, prefer 4 subjects, no-residency testing<\/span><\/td>\nTest-takers who prefer paper testing option, separate Writing subtest, lower cost at test center, or more flexible retake structure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2026 HiSET Fee Increase \u2014 Act Before April 1, 2026 If Choosing HiSET<\/b><\/p>\n

HiSET is implementing a fee increase effective April 1, 2026. The current fees listed in this guide may no longer be accurate after that date. Before scheduling your HiSET test in Oklahoma, verify the current fees at hiset.org\/oklahoma\/. If you are considering HiSET, scheduling before April 1, 2026 may save you money.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Which Test Is Right for You?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Choose GED if…<\/b><\/td>\nChoose HiSET if…<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
You want to earn potential college credits (175+ scores can earn up to 10 semester credit hours)<\/span><\/td>\nYou prefer a paper-based exam option (not available for GED without accommodation)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
You want more retake flexibility without an annual limit<\/span><\/td>\nYou prefer to pay for Writing and Reading separately rather than combined<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
You want to test across multiple subjects quickly in one day at a test center<\/span><\/td>\nYou previously studied for the HiSET and want to use that preparation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
You are more comfortable with a computer-based test<\/span><\/td>\nYou prefer the lower in-person test center cost per subtest ($33 before increase vs. $41 for GED)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
You plan to attend an Oklahoma college or university and want College Ready scores to bypass placement tests<\/span><\/td>\nYou prefer the HiSET’s lower individual passing thresholds (8\/20 vs. GED’s 145\/200)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
You prefer four combined subjects rather than five separate subtests<\/span><\/td>\nYou do not have a GED.com account and prefer the PSI\/HiSET system<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Oklahoma Eligibility Requirements<\/b><\/h2>\n

Standard Eligibility: Both Exams<\/span><\/h3>\n

The following eligibility criteria apply to both the GED and HiSET in Oklahoma, per official ODCTE AEFL policies:<\/span><\/p>\n